The Hindu : Sport / Tennis : Gearing up for the big event

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006

Sport

Sport - Tennis

Gearing up for the big event

BANGALORE: Bangalore's first WTA event is just a week away, but preparations are far from hectic. The host Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association is going about the task in a rather understated manner, refurbishing the stadium, which has hosted mega events such as Davis Cup ties, Legends Tour events and the two World Doubles Championships.

There was some apprehension among the fans following the fall of the Dharam Singh government, which had promised to stand by the organisers. The KSLTA secretary C.S. Sunder Raju, however, allayed those fears. "All's well," he said. "The tournament will be held on schedule, the change (in government) is not going to affect it."

"We are in the process of sprucing up the place, which hasn't seen big action for quite some time now. The courts are ready and we are testing the 1100 lux lighting system," said the KSLTA official.

The main draw begins on February 13 and the qualifiers are slated on February 11 and 12. The organisers are hoping that the presence of the Indian teen sensation Sania Mirza, would boost the sale of the nominally priced tickets.

Though most of the matches are expected to be played under lights, with action starting from 5 p.m., the matches will be played during the mornings also on the first few days.

Globosport, which owns the $175,000 tier three event, is expected to announce the wild cards in a day or two, along with the revised list of entries as there have been few withdrawals from the event.

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